Transport for London (TfL) has warned the 100,000+ members of the Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme to be particularly careful during the current cold snap affecting the capital, and has hinted that it may have to scale back the scope of operations should wintry conditions continue.

London, like much of the rest of the UK, has seen heavy snowfall in recent days and conditions have been made even more hazardous by freezing temperatures leading to icy patches on the roads.

In an email sent to members of the scheme, James Mead, Operations Manager of Barclays Cycle Hire, said: “I am writing to you to ask that, with the weather as it currently is, you take extra care when using Barclays Cycle Hire, particularly on roads which may not have been gritted.”

He continued: “It is our intention to keep Barclays Cycle Hire fully operational during this current spell of cold weather. However, should it become difficult for us to deploy our cycle redistribution vehicles due to the snowy and icy conditions, then it may be necessary to review this.

“TfL is of course working around the clock and liaising with colleagues in the local borough councils to keep the roads clear.

Mr Mead added: “TfL's cycling website has been updated with hints and tips to help you get the most out of cycling in London this winter. For more information please visit the safety and training pages at tfl.gov.uk/cycling.”

reasonable enough, nothing knee jerk about it. Always a good plan to promote how cycling can be feasible in these weather conditions and also useful to highlight that any problems with it will likely be caused by motor traffic.